Mike Roberts, the former global president of McDonald's, teamed up with Stephen Sidwell, who helped found the meat substitute Gardein, and Mike Donahue, McDonald's USA's former chief of corporate communications, to launch LYFE Kitchen three years ago.

Courtesy of Jason Barell

Inside, the seating includes a mix of padded benches, standalone chairs, and couches. Small pots of herbs and pepper grinders are arranged on the tables. "The ambiance is modern, welcoming, and clean," Barell says.

Courtesy of Jason Barell

This wall of herbs is central to all LYFE Kitchen locations. It displays basil, bay leaves, lavender, chives, oregano, and a variety of other herbs used on the menu.

Courtesy of Jason Barell

Here's a closer look at the herb garden.

Courtesy of Jason Barell

Drink options are displayed on chalkboards behind the counter, and customers can browse the full menu on touch-screen tablets at the register.

Courtesy of Jason Barell

Menus are customized to various food preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

Courtesy of Jason Barell

The bar menu includes cocktails, like the cucumber margaritas, as well as wine, sangria, and local beers on tap.

But unfortunately, the view is of a parking lot and a light-rail station.

He also ordered the Grilled Chicken and Avocado sandwich and substituted the grilled chicken for "Art's Unfried Chicken" at the cashier's recommendation. The sandwich is served with roasted tomatoes, avocado, romaine, and aioli on an oatmeal bun. Barell said he spent a total of $15.

Courtesy of Jason Barell

"The sandwich was on the smaller side, and at first sight I thought I was going to be hungry after this meal," Barell said. But he said it was "delicious" and "had the perfect amount of each ingredient."

Courtesy of Jason Barell

One of the chain's most popular dishes is the "Unfried Chicken" with roasted brussels sprouts, butternut squash, dried cranberries, and cashew cream.

Lyfe Kitchen

This is the 273-calorie Barramundi Noodle Bowl featuring sea bass with soba noodles, mushrooms, scallions, and edamame in kimchi broth.

LYFE Kitchen

The 562-calorie Crispy Gardein Chick'n is also popular. It features shishito pepper relish, romaine lettuce, tomato, and chipotle aioli on an oatmeal bun.